Wankhede dropped as venue for New Zealand Test

Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium has been dropped as the venue for the third Test between India and New Zealand from November 20 to 24 due to the ongoing renovation work at the stadium. The venue has been undergoing a facelift ahead of the World Cup next year, and the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) said it didn't want to rush things and host a Test without a proper trial run.

"The MCA managing committee took the decision yesterday that we won't be in a position to host it (the Test) at the Wankhede Stadium in November as we would like to play a few first-class matches (on the newly laid wicket) before the World Cup. We would write a letter to the Board tomorrow," MCA joint secretary Lalchand Rajput told PTI. "We would ask the BCCI to consider our case for the next series."

Since the renovation work began, the nearby Brabourne Stadium has been hosting matches, including first-class games. It staged a Test between India and Sri Lanka last December and the home matches of Mumbai Indians during the third season of the IPL.

The BCCI is expected to announce a revised itinerary in due course.